Fraud within the juvenile migrant program is causing delays in visa processing. The backlog particularly affects foreign priests and religious seeking visas. Investigations are underway to address the fraudulent activities. The situation is impacting the ability of religious workers to enter the country.
5 months ago
A recent investigation by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has uncovered widespread fraud within the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) visa program, which is designed to protect vulnerable undocumented minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected 1 3. This extensive misuse of the program has inadvertently created a significant backlog in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category, which is shared by SIJ applicants and foreign-born religious workers, including Catholic priests and religious men and women 1 3. The resulting delays are now threatening the ability of thousands of clergy to remain in the United States and continue their ministries 1 3.
The USCIS report, released on July 24, revealed that a majority of the 300,000 SIJ applicants reviewed between 2013 and 2024 were over 18 years old, with 52% of 2024 applicants being between 18 and 20 years old 1 3. Many applicants, primarily young men from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, allegedly falsified their ages, names, and nationalities 1 3. Some manipulated the system by designating other recently arrived undocumented adults as their legal guardians to meet SIJ requirements 1 3.
The investigation also identified a troubling subset of 18,829 older SIJ applicants with significant criminal histories, accounting for 36,920 law enforcement encounters 1 3. These included arrests for grave offenses such as murder, sexual assault, child abuse, and drug trafficking 1 3. Over 500 SIJ applicants approved since 2013 were known or suspected members of violent gangs, and some were even wanted by foreign authorities for murders committed before entering the U.S. 1 3. The report also noted instances of known or suspected terrorists filing SIJ petitions 3.
The surge in fraudulent SIJ applications has caused the EB-4 visa category to reach its annual quota much earlier than expected, leading to unprecedented wait times for all applicants under this category 1 3. Previously, the wait time for an EB-4 visa was around two years, but it has now ballooned to nearly six years 1. No new green cards will be issued under this category until the next fiscal year begins in October 1 3.
This backlog severely impacts foreign-born priests and religious who typically enter the U.S. on five-year R-1 religious visas and then apply for permanent residency via the EB-4 category 1 3. Many now face the risk of their R-1 visas expiring before their green card applications are processed, potentially forcing them to leave the country 1 3. Catholic leaders, such as Miguel Naranjo of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), have called the situation "devastating," emphasizing the vital services these religious workers provide in parishes, schools, hospitals, and prisons, particularly in rural or underserved areas 1 3.
The crisis has prompted calls for action from Catholic leaders and some members of Congress 1 3. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced to extend visas for religious workers, allowing them to remain in the U.S. during this period of administrative gridlock 1 3. This legislative effort aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the SIJ fraud on the essential work performed by foreign clergy and religious 1.
How does the Church view immigration and service?
The Catholic Church views immigration through the lens of universal fraternity, human dignity, and solidarity, emphasizing the moral obligation to welcome and assist migrants and refugees . This perspective is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the call to "welcome the stranger" (Mt 25:35) .
The Church affirms the inalienable dignity of every human being, created in the image of God, regardless of their national, racial, ethnic, or economic differences . This dignity is considered an "infinite and transcendent" value that surpasses all other juridical considerations in society . Therefore, all norms and public policies should be evaluated in light of the dignity of the person and their fundamental rights .
Solidarity is a core principle, meaning that all people form one human family and are responsible for one another . This includes a scriptural call to welcome the stranger, ensuring they have opportunities for a safe home, education, and a decent life, and ending practices like family separation through deportation . The Church also applies a "preferential option for the poor," which extends to all who are marginalized, including immigrants, the vulnerable, and victims of injustice . This means that those most in need deserve preferential concern, and society is morally tested by how it treats them .
The Church sees the Holy Family's flight into Egypt as an archetype for every refugee family, making Jesus, Mary, and Joseph models and protectors of all migrants . Christ himself is presented as the stranger knocking at our door, urging the Christian community to accept and support immigrant brothers and sisters with respect for their identity and culture, especially when they are in distress . The Church's concern for refugees is described as a "wound which typifies and reveals the imbalance and conflicts of the modern world," demonstrating a divided world far from the ideal of mutual suffering and support .
The Church's mission includes recalling that foreigners, like all citizens, possess inalienable rights, such as the right to family life, security, a stable and dignified occupation, just wages, adequate housing, and healthcare . These rights are enshrined in international conventions and are inherent to every human being .
Catholic organizations serve migrants and newcomers as a visible sign of God's love and mercy, abiding by the teachings of Jesus Christ . This service includes:
While emphasizing the rights of migrants, the Church also states that immigrants are obliged to respect the material and spiritual heritage of their host country, obey its laws, and assist in carrying civic burdens . The Church affirms the rule of law and encourages the use of lawful immigration pathways, discouraging migration solely for individual advancement without regard for the common good of their country of origin . However, refugees and asylum seekers, who are forcibly displaced due to life-threatening situations, have a human right to seek protection through irregular means when ordinary channels are not viable .
In summary, the Church's view on immigration and service is deeply rooted in its theological understanding of human dignity, universal fraternity, and the Gospel call to charity, urging active solidarity and advocacy for the rights and well-being of all migrants and refugees .